时ShiSurname
Shí
Shi (时) means 'time' or 'season'. It symbolizes the passage of time, opportunity, and the cyclical nature of life. It reflects a sense of timeliness and adaptability.
Shí
Mainland China · Taiwan
Shek
Guangdong · Hong Kong
Sek
Fujian · Taiwan · SE Asia
Sak
Meizhou · Taiwan · SE Asia
Population Ranking
#485
Estimated Under 1 million people
Position among top 100 Chinese surnames
Geographic Distribution
Hebei, Shandong, Zhejiang
Five Element Analysis
Earth
stability, patience, and reliability
Origin & History
The surname originated from the state of Shi during the Spring and Autumn period, a vassal state of Song. Descendants took the state name as their surname.
Surname Evolution
The Shi surname has deep roots in Chinese history, tracing back over 2,000 years. Originating from the ancient commandery regions, the Shi clan established itself as a distinguished family during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). Through centuries of migration and development, the Shi surname spread across China, with notable concentrations in Shangqiu area, Henan. The clan produced scholars, officials, and military leaders who contributed significantly to Chinese civilization throughout the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties.
Commandery
Liangguo Commandery (梁国) — Modern-day Shangqiu area, Henan Province
Hall Title
报本堂 (Shi Clan)
Ancestral Hall
Shi Clan Ancestral Hall in Liangguo — A traditional clan hall preserving the genealogical records and cultural heritage of the Shi family. The hall serves as a gathering place for clan descendants during traditional festivals such as Qingming and Mid-Autumn Festival.
Clan Motto & Family Tradition
积善传家，诗礼继世 — Accumulating goodness passes through the family; poetry and ritual continue.
Famous People with Surname Shi
Shi Yigong (时毅功) — Modern Chinese biophysicist
Tone Compatibility
Shi (Shí) is a 2nd tone (rising) surname. In Chinese naming, balanced tonal patterns create harmonious-sounding names.
Recommended Patterns
peaceful and secure
vast and auspicious
ambition that soars
Patterns to Avoid
Each digit is a tone (1=level, 2=rising, 3=dipping, 4=falling). The first is the surname tone; the next two are the given name's tones.
Example Names with Shi
Your Shi Family Legend
Popular Chinese Name Collections
Want Your Own Unique Chinese Name?
Our engine creates personalized names based on your English name and preferred style.
Try the Name Generator→Frequently Asked Questions
What does the surname Shi mean in Chinese?
The surname Shi (时) means 'time' or 'season,' composed of the radical for 'sun' (日) and the phonetic component 'cun' (寸). It symbolizes the passage of time, opportunity, and the cyclical nature of life. The character reflects a sense of timeliness and adaptability, often associated with punctuality and change.
Where does the Shi surname originate from?
The surname originated from the state of Shi during the Spring and Autumn period, a vassal state of Chu located in present-day Henan. Some bearers descend from the legendary emperor Shennong, while others trace their lineage to officials of the Zhou Dynasty who were in charge of timekeeping. The state was later absorbed by Chu.
Who are some famous people with the surname Shi?
Shi Jingtang (892–942), founder of the Later Jin dynasty during the Five Dynasties period. Shi Kefa (1601–1645), a Ming dynasty official who resisted the Qing invasion. Shi Tiesheng (1951–2010), a Chinese writer known for his essays. Shi Yuzhu (born 1962), a Chinese entrepreneur and founder of Giant Interactive.
What given names go well with the surname Shi?
Given the meaning 'time,' names that evoke seasons, opportunity, or progress pair well. For example, Shi Guang (时光 'time light') or Shi Yun (时运 'time fortune'). Names with characters like 'chun' (春 'spring') or 'qiu' (秋 'autumn') highlight the seasonal aspect, while 'ji' (机 'opportunity') emphasizes timeliness.